The collection spans a Stratocaster in three finishes, a strap, a pick set and a Made-in-Japan apparel capsule.
Fender Musical Corporation Japan has unveiled the Fender × Dark Horse Records Collection, a Japan-exclusive range celebrating the musical legacy and creative spirit of George Harrison. Created in partnership with Dark Horse Records, it spans instruments, accessories and apparel. It won’t be stocked in Australia, but it’s a notable collaboration in the guitar world.
Catch up on all the latest news here.
Harrison founded Dark Horse Records in 1974 as an independent, artist-led label, and the collection draws on that spirit alongside the label’s visual history. It’s also timed to coincide with the Year of the Horse in 2026.
“Since visiting for the first time during my father’s Japan tour in 1991 my family has developed a deep love and respect for this country, its people and profound cultural history,” said Dhani Harrison. “We are so pleased that, for the first time, Dark Horse is going to be able to reciprocate the love we have felt from the Japanese fans and collectors by creating a custom Fender product specifically for this market.”
The collection
- George Harrison Dark Horse Records Stratocaster: available in Olympic White, Black and Orange, each with custom Dark Horse graphics, gold hardware and an engraved neck plate. It has an alder body with a gloss urethane finish, a maple Modern “C” neck, a 9.5″ rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets, three Player Series Alnico 5 single-coil pickups, five-position switching, a two-point synchronised tremolo with bent-steel saddles and ClassicGear tuning machines.
- Fender × Dark Horse Records Strap: a limited-edition, Japan-made strap with Dark Horse-inspired artwork, a textured-grain finish and a 2.5″ width, presented in a premium gift box.
- Fender × Dark Horse Records Pick Set: 12 heavy-gauge celluloid picks in a 346 shape, each with a unique design, in a Japanese-made slide tin.
- F Is For Fender × Dark Horse Records Capsule Collection: a 15-piece, Made-in-Japan apparel range built across six core styles, developed under the creative direction of Yoshiyuki Shimazu. It includes a long-sleeve tee, button-down shirt, photo tee, sweatshirt and denim jacket.
- Dhani Harrison Signature Ukulele: the existing signature tenor ukulele is also part of the collection.
“This collaboration brings together so many dimensions of George’s world – music, instruments, art, fashion and the independent spirit of Dark Horse Records – interpreted through the creativity and craftsmanship of Japan,” said Giorgio Guerrini, President, Fender Asia Pacific.
To mark the launch, Fender is hosting an invitation-only event, The Night of the Dark Horse, on 16 October at Fender Flagship Tokyo in Harajuku. It features Dhani Harrison, Fender CEO Bud Cole and Shimazu, with live music from Mino Music and Fender signature artist Erino Yumiki. From 16 to 27 October, Fender Cafe Harajuku and Fender Cafe Shimokitazawa are also hosting a Dark Horse Records pop-up with specially created English breakfast tea, a limited menu item and a listening space at the Shimokitazawa location.
The Black Stratocaster, the accessories and the F Is For Fender apparel are exclusive to Fender Flagship Tokyo. The Olympic White Stratocaster is available for pre-order through Fender dealers across Japan, and the Orange is available through Fender.com (Japan), Fender Flagship Tokyo and the Fender Shop in Miki Gakki Americamura. Both pre-order guitars are expected to be delivered in March 2027.
To find out more, head here
